NEWS from the S.S. Noah

Mrs. Johnson's Kindergarten Weekly News

NEWS from the S.S. Noah

Mrs. Johnson's Kindergarten Weekly News

October 19, 2015

Sneak Peek of the Week Ahead

WEEKLY THEME:

INTO THE WOOD

READING THING

As fall continues to "bloom” spectacularly all around us, changes are also occurring in some of our forest and backyard animal friends. We will learn about some of the winter preparations through our reading and writing. Animals react to the approaching winter in three ways- adapt, hibernate, and migrate. We'll see fall through the eyes of the animals, especially the squirrel. We'll scamper around outside on a "nut hunt" ( believe it or not—I have fake acorns so that all of the children may play and not one is at risk for allergies!), play squirrel games like "Nut, Nut, Squirrel "and "Squirrels in The Trees". We will dramatize thetale Sody Sallyratus.This great story will have us making and eating biscuits and apple butter as this old Appalachian tale unfolds.Science and reading combine beautifully this week. Doesn't Fall sound fun??? Fall certainly is one of God's most colorful masterpieces!

Squirrels All Year Long: Mini Books by Melvin Berger

The life cycle of a tree squirrel in lovely photos which truly come alive in big book format.

Nuts to You! by Lois Ehlert

It's summer in the city, and a rascally squirrel is up to all sorts of tricks. But when he sneaks inside an apartment window, he'll need one nutty solution to get back out!

Squirrels by Brian Wildsmith

We've all seen squirrels; now we can learn lots more about them! The readers will learn about the life and habitat of the squirrel-how he uses his tail, his sharp claws, where he builds his nest and where he stores his winter food.

Squirrels All Year Long: Mini Books by Melvin Berger

The life cycle of a tree squirrel in lovely photos which truly come alive in big book format.

Nuts to You! by Lois Ehlert

It's summer in the city, and a rascally squirrel is up to all sorts of tricks. But when he sneaks inside an apartment window, he'll need one nutty solution to get back out!

Squirrels by Brian Wildsmith

We've all seen squirrels; now we can learn lots more about them! The readers will learn about the life and habitat of the squirrel-how he uses his tail, his sharp claws, where he builds his nest and where he stores his winter food.

The Raggedy Red Squirrels by Hope Ryden

A look at the behavior and activities of a squirrel follows one little creature called Raggedy Red Squirrel as he gathers spruce cones and leaf buds, builds a nest in an empty birdhouse, and more.

Miss Suzy by Miriam Young

Miss Suzy is a little gray squirrel who lives happily in her oak-tree home until she is chased away by some mean red squirrels. Poor Miss Suzy is very sad. But soon she finds a beautiful dollhouse and meets a band of brave toy soldiers.

Sara Squirrel and the Lost Acorns by Julie Sykes

Sara Squirrel is on her way to the oak trees deep in Teasel Wood to gather acorns. Merry Mouse, Morris Mole, and Barney Badger each ask her to bring back something for them, too. Sara is happy to oblige her forest friends, but little does she know how much trouble these favors will cause!

The Raggedy Red Squirrels by Hope Ryden

A look at the behavior and activities of a squirrel follows one little creature called Raggedy Red Squirrel as he gathers spruce cones and leaf buds, builds a nest in an empty birdhouse, and more.

Miss Suzy by Miriam Young

Miss Suzy is a little gray squirrel who lives happily in her oak-tree home until she is chased away by some mean red squirrels. Poor Miss Suzy is very sad. But soon she finds a beautiful dollhouse and meets a band of brave toy soldiers.

Sara Squirrel and the Lost Acorns by Julie Sykes

Sara Squirrel is on her way to the oak trees deep in Teasel Wood to gather acorns. Merry Mouse, Morris Mole, and Barney Badger each ask her to bring back something for them, too. Sara is happy to oblige her forest friends, but little does she know how much trouble these favors will cause!

Sody Sallyratus by Teri Sloat

When an old woman promises her family biscuits and sends her little boy down to the store to fetch some baking soda, he is confronted by a hungry bear and vanishes, and as other family members are sent out and disappear one by one, their pet squirrel decides to see exactly what is going on.

Mighty Tree by Dick Gackenbach

Three very important trees grow from tiny seeds borne by the wind to the forest floor. Dick Gackenbach’s lively, colorful illustrations and simple story convey a timely message about the use and protection of our natural resources.

Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming

A warm-hearted story about animals of the forest settling down for their winter nap. But, like children who must go to bed for the night, they each find a way to put it off just a little bit longer.

Sody Sallyratus by Teri Sloat

When an old woman promises her family biscuits and sends her little boy down to the store to fetch some baking soda, he is confronted by a hungry bear and vanishes, and as other family members are sent out and disappear one by one, their pet squirrel decides to see exactly what is going on.

Mighty Tree by Dick Gackenbach

Three very important trees grow from tiny seeds borne by the wind to the forest floor. Dick Gackenbach’s lively, colorful illustrations and simple story convey a timely message about the use and protection of our natural resources.

Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming

A warm-hearted story about animals of the forest settling down for their winter nap. But, like children who must go to bed for the night, they each find a way to put it off just a little bit longer.

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter

NUMBER WORKS

Squirrel math will involve sorting, counting, story problems, weighing, and graphing. We continue to expand our knowledge of sorting and patterns as well as continuing to use 5 and 10 frames in MIF to explore the parts of numbers as a precursor to addition and subtraction.

Leaf Hunt

SCIENCE SCOOP

Science this week will introduce the concept of how animals and plants get ready for winter. As we learn the characteristics of adapters, migrators, and hibernators, we will begin to understand God's diverse plans. Enjoying the beauty of fall will have new meaning as we understand what is really happening in the forests and woodlands.

BIBLE BASICS

Abraham, often called Father Abraham, will be the Bible story this week. Our Scripture reference is Psalm 127:3. The great love that fathers have for their children will be the focus and help us learn about God, Our Father's great love for His children. "Children are a heritage from the Lord”. We will learn how God made and kept a promise. We will also discover that we are a part of that promise.

SCIENCE SCOOP

Science this week will introduce the concept of how animals and plants get ready for winter. As we learn the characteristics of adapters, migrators, and hibernators, we will begin to understand God's diverse plans. Enjoying the beauty of fall will have new meaning as we understand what is really happening in the forests and woodlands.

BIBLE BASICS

Abraham, often called Father Abraham, will be the Bible story this week. Our Scripture reference is Psalm 127:3. The great love that fathers have for their children will be the focus and help us learn about God, Our Father's great love for His children. "Children are a heritage from the Lord”. We will learn how God made and kept a promise. We will also discover that we are a part of that promise.

Star of the Week--GRANT WILMER

Meet our Star of the Week, Grant Wilmer. This week also finds Grant having his birthday on Monday! Happy birthday, Grant! Grant has a twin in Mrs. Smith's room. His name is Max. Grant enjoys being on a swim team and playing games. His favorite color is blue. Mac and cheese eater come in first on the favorite food list! Yum! Grant loves to read and is becoming a great reader! Have a super week, Grant!

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, October 20 - PJ Day (children may wear their pj's to school. I suggest no bedroom slippers--just tennis shoes. For children not to sure about pj's--sweats make be the answer.

Wednesday, October 21 - Cosi

( volunteers still needed)

Monday, October 26 - Nocturnal Rotations

Wednesday, October 28 - Parent Teacher Conferences

4:30-8:30

Thursday, October 29 - Parent Teacher Conferences

8:30-3:00

October 28-November 2 - No School for students

School resumes November 3rd.

A NOTE FROM MRS. J

Last week was a great week! Our field trip to Sharon Woods was perfect---a perfect fall day for a walk in the woods. I think that everyone enjoyed having lunch outside watching the squirrels run around. The animals that were introduced by the park attendants-- a box turtle and a screech owl-- helped children learn how animals get ready for winter as well as how they live in a woodland habitat.

Camping Day was a fun and a big success! We started with a scavenger hunt ( in the dark with flashlights and teamwork). We had a tent and a "a campfire". Our morning snack was real s'mores ( fixed on a griddle) and thanks to Mrs. Horn for extra hands. Several fun camp games were played. In the afternoon, we relaxed on our blankets and sleeping bags as we enjoyed reading books about the forest and forest animals. Our reading was well accompanied by many furry friends. We finished the day with a trail mix and a camp video.

Fall is here and so is the Woodland theme!

I am sending home a pre-conference questionnaireto you by e-mail. Spending time sharing information and thoughts about your child is such a wonderful and valuable endeavor. Please feel free to add any other thoughts or concerns to the questions that I am sending you. I am looking forward to the time we will spend together in conference. It would be very helpful for me as I prepare for conferences if you return your questionnaire before conferences. If that is not a possibility, then just bring the questionnaire to our conference. Thank you for your help in preparing this important time. I know it will be a blessing for your child!